I'm a grad student at UMass-Amherst. Moved into the area a few
years ago from a suburb near Akron, Ohio. Lived in that place for
over half of my life... glad to be out! I also lived in Missouri
and a semester in Australia. Anyways, quite a different area here
from all of the above, but I'm really enjoying it. I'm working
towards a Master's in geology, but you don't have to be into that.
Humor me once in a while when I'm telling a geology story and we're
golden!

Currently I'm in the final semester of my master's program and my
thesis will deal with the San Jacinto Fault out in California.
Other than that, I'm just going out, meeting new people and
learning a lot of exciting things.

Heh, I wish I could say it's my eyes or my dazzling smile but the
truth is that it's my hearing aids. I'm hard of hearing and they
are... noticeable. I have a tough time understanding people in
crowded situations, but one on one conversations usually go okay.

Due to the handicap mentioned above, I unfortunately don't really
listen to music. I don't begrudge anyone their musical taste; why
would I? I also will listen to what people want to share with
me.

As for books, I'm more of a science fiction guy. I'll also enjoy an
occasional humorous book, especially Pratchett or Sedaris. Very
rarely, I will enjoy a fantasy book, such as the ones in the Song
of Ice and Fire series, but I don't really dig much of the genre.
Currently reading Orphan Master's Son and 1Q84.

Movies, I run the full gamut. Generally I enjoy action movies more
than others. But I'll even watch romantic comedies... occasionally.
Don't tell anyone that, though.

Food... I love pretty much every type of food there is. Seafood,
Chinese, Indian (especially Tandoori), good ol' American cooking,
Italian, whatever. There are specific things I hate eating,
especially refried beans or squash, but they're exceptions.

Back in Ohio, I'd be going down to the Grotto, a local bar or
hanging out with friends somewhere. Here, at the moment, I'm going
to probably work on geophysics or find a restaurant to try out or a
bookstore to browse. Still exploring the area. If you want to show
me around, I'd be open for that!